Gadget on a Budget

FujiFilm Finepix F50FD - My Favorite :-)

2008-10-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Ola...

The polling for the most favorite camera brand among my viewers (although not many voted :C ) has ended a few days ago, and the winner this time is Olympus brand.

Olympus is one of the leading manufacturer of digital camera with a range of compact digital camera. Olympus is not my favorite brand, because I find the lens is not as good as other brand. After maybe 5-8 years, the lens tend to be out-of-focus and blurry. Other than that, its still good brand and according to expert, it can shoot beautiful pictures too.

Eventhough Olympus wins in this polling, but I'd love to introduce to you all my favorite digital camera: FujiFilm F50FD.

Pls ignore the floral sticker...hmm.. I've just recently remove it (it makes my camera look cheap ;p)

Eversince I got my new camera, FujiFilm has been my favorite brand. I love the pictures it captures, so clear and sharp and the color so brilliant. I've surveyed for a few weeks for digital camera, I even surf on the internet for camera brand review. And I found out that FujiFilm is one of the top brand in digital camera. I compare a few camera brands at the camera shop, from Canon, Nikon, Olympus and FujiFilm. Each with their own uniqueness and special feature. But when I compare the price and the specification of each camera, FujiFilm won my heart and my pocket (err..not mine exactly :p).

As the review says about my FujiFilm Finepix F50FD, it offers a super-compact digital camera that takes beautiful shots with the most advanced features and technology available.

The specification include: face detection (optimize focus and brightness), 12MP super CCD technology (enable you to crop and enlarge part of your picture without loss of quality), image stabilization (prevent blurry image), high performance function (very convenient function allows you to shoot and playback easily, it also has various shooting mode - love this function). FujiFilm F50FD has a very stylish and sleek design that offers various attractive features. It also has a large, high resolution display with 2.7" LCD it is also perfect to display the new, intuitive menu system. I've captured a lot of beautiful pictures with my digital camera and it never disappoint me. Love this camera a lot ;-)

Don't miss this free treat from McD

2008-10-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

This is not a gadget, it's just a notice to inform you all about the free treat you get from McD if you purchase a can of Coke like the above picture.

I'm sure everyone notice this especially Coca-cola fan, just a reminder here that with any purchase of Coke cola like the picture above, are entitled to claim a cup of free sundae: chocolate or strawberry flavor (Normal Price RM3) with any purchase of McValue Meal (Large). The offer is valid till 31st October 2008, that's 1 more week left. What you need to do is to show them the tab with the word "McD" printed on it, when you order your meal. Not applicable for McDelivery or birthday party package in McDonald.

Bling-bling for your handphone, anyone???

2008-10-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

Here's another email I got. It's the trendy decor for Japanese handphone. I think it applies to Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China. It's too girlish for my liking. And very messy, it might get entangle with earrings. Nope, just not me. Looks like a toy.

Is your Nokia phone original?

2008-10-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

I didn't know that from the serial number of the phone they can actually tell you your handphone quality. But recently I got this e-mail about how to check your Nokia hanphone through the serial number.

Press the following on your mobile *#06# and the-international mobile equipment identity number appears. Then check the 7th and 8th numbers:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7 th

8 th

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

Phone serial no.

x

x

x

x

x

x

?

?

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

IF the Seventh & Eighth digits are 02 or 20 this means your cell phone was assembled in Emirates or China which is very Bad quality

IF the Seventh & Eighth digits are 08 or 80 this means your cell phone was manufactured in Germany which is fair quality

IF the Seventh & Eighth digits are 01 or 10 this means your cell phone was manufacture Finland which is very Good

IF the Seventh & Eighth digits are 00 this means your cell phone was manufactured in original factory which is the best Mobile Quality

IF the Seventh & Eighth digits are 13 this means your cell phone was assembled in Azerbaijan which is very Bad quality and also dangerous for your health

Not sure whether the information is reliable or not, but I tried on my Nokia handphone, the oldest model assembled in Germany, the Nokia 3100 is manufactured in original factory whereas my latest phone I just got a few weeks ago is assembled in China. Hopefully it is not as bad as they say it is, I dunno, I'm slowly losing trust in China brand. There's an awful good reason why I feel that way, because of the recent going-ons in China's market, my unit trust has drop significantly, from 0.25sen per unit, now to 0.13sen per unit. I should've take it out when it started to drop to 0.23 back then, thats the price for being greedy.

And the FAVORITE brand goes to...

2008-10-12T07:12:00.000-07:00

The vote which ended 2 days ago comes out with the verdict as below:

Nokia 50%
SonyEricssons 43%
Motorola 1%

This is of course only represent 16 visitors to my site who voted.

Personally, I'd prefer Nokia brand because of it easy to navigate menu, durability, reliability and functionality. Why I says it's durable and reliable, because I've used 4 Nokia model and all of them never disappoint me. My second Nokia handphone, I've been using it since 2003 until now, it is still functioning except for the weak battery. But the battery is due to the fact that I've never replace it ever since. Nokia is also suitable for people who enjoyed playing games, since some of the model they produce is targeted at people who likes to play game. Although I must admit that the camera function is not as good as SonyEricssons.

SonyEricssons handphone has been known to produce good quality output, as we all know Sony itself is a manufacturer of camera, hence the camera function for SonyEricssons is unbeatable. As for Motorola brand, well, I can't say much about this brand as I've never used it, but some of my friend use it, still it is not a sought after brand among people here. And I'm not particulary interested in Motorola because of its design.

Another handphone brand is Samsung, which is equally good but also not so favorable, but I must say that Samsung always produce slim handphone and the camera quality is also not bad.

Nowadays, handphone have many features, some even has antivirus software available for it, this is due to the wireless and bluetooth function that sometimes enable other people to send virus or spam to your mobile.

But in the end, it all comes down to your budget and your needs. So makesure you get a handphone that's worth the price.

Want to buy a Webcam?

2008-10-05T04:57:00.000-07:00

Webcam comes in many type, megapixel and brand. Nowadays, most laptop have its own webcam. If u have a desktop, u might need to purchase the webcam additionally. It is especially suitable for ppl who travels a lot so that they can keep in touch with their friends and family interactively. Some ppl use webcam as a spycam, some use it for the purpose of videoconferencing or conferencing calling. No matter what their purposes are, its the next best thing to being there in person.

Here's a webcam I'd like to recommend.

The Good
1. No driver needed
It is plug and play, once u plug in, it is ready to use. U don't have to install any driver to your laptop or computer.

2. Megapixel
It has 5.0MP, gives your viewer a clear and sharp image of u. Excellent still image. Most branded webcam with 5.0MP costs around RM100.00 over.

3. Price
U can't get any cheaper than this price. For RM60.00, u can get all the features u want in webcam and maybe more.

4. Design
Very cute design, u can put it on your desk or clip it on your monitor (LCD). The clip has soft cushion underneath, so as not to give too much pressure on your LCD screen. The webcam can be dislocated from the clip, bcos it has magnet underneath. Able to turn 360 degree.

5. Microphone
Audio quality suitable for videoconferencing.

6. Motion Detector
Able to record moving object. Good as spycam.

The Bad
1. It's not branded.

Essential Specs & Stats

Interface: Hi-Speed USB
Webcam type: Desktop & notebook
Built-in mic: Yes
Mount or stand: Both
Compatible with: YM, MSN, SKYPE, AIM
Platform: Windows XP SP2/Vista

How to shop for a digital camera?

2008-10-03T07:17:00.000-07:00

No. 1 Test the Camera Before u Buy
You don't want to buy a camera only end up not liking it at all. Maybe certain features u read online sound good in a review but actually not suitable for u. Try taking shots of yourself, if u like what u see, then chances are u'll love the pictures u'll take with it. And ask a lot of question about the camera features and functionality.

NO. 2 Set Your Budget
Don't buy a camera that sound cool to have but too expensive to own. For a novice user, there's no need to buy an SLR camera just for the purpose of taking shots of your pet turtle. SLR camera is a professional camera suitable for people who travels a lot and who takes photo as a living. Make sure u know what purpose the camera for and knows what features u really need. Go to various shop and get a better deal, preferably buy during promotional period.

NO. 3 Digital Camera MegaPixel
Is it that important? It is important if u want to take sharp and clear image. But make sure u buy bigger memory for it (1 or 2GB). Cos the bigger the MegaPixel, the more space it uses.

NO. 4 Digital Camera ZOOM
Whats the difference between Digital Zoom and Optical Zoom? Digital zoom is enlarging a portion of the image from the optical zoom, same concept in croping an image and making it large but in doing so, u lose the image quality. And it doesn't serve much purpose, becos if u need to enlarge the flower petals for instance u can use photoshop to crop it. Optical zoom however uses the optic lens of the camera to bring the object closer.

NO. 5 Make Sure U Know What U Want
This is the same as in setting ur budget. U need to know what purpose ur camera is for, what type of pictures u usually takes. Which brand u want (among the top brand: Canon, Nikon, FujiFilm, Olympus etc). How many megapixel u need and whether u need that much.

With this 5 methods, I'm sure it'll be easier to set your focus on which type of camera to buy. For a beginner, it's always better to get a point and shoot camera. For a normal user like me, I prefer no complicated menu and most importantly user friendly, just set it to Auto and let the camera do the rest, no worries about setting the optical lens or digital zoom or whatever technical terms that only professional photographer need to know.

Apple iPhone: I wish mine

2008-10-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

This is one cool handphone I wish mine. My friend bought a cool Apple iPhone 8G from KL, and it is so cool I've to take pic with it. Eventhough it is 2nd hand, but still the price is over RM1.5k. For a brand new iPhone 8G, the market price is around RM2.5k. For a brand new iPhone 8G with 3g is RM3k+ (not really too sure about the price, cos its not officially launch here) . My friend (being so proud of his iPhone), show us the cool function of what iPhone can do. His iPhone don't have 3g (which is a loss), however its still cool, cos it has the following function nonetheless : iPod, Internet (WiFi), Maps with GPS (which is actually like google maps) if ur in US they can actually zoom at ur exact location, Photos & Camera with Multi Touch (this is sooo cool, u can actually zoom the pic by the touch of ur finger :-)) ), and no worries about keyboard cos it is totally touchscreen and it even suggests words as you type. And the image is sharp and clear when watching vid or simply taking photos (2.0MP) and I especially love LOVE the graphic (the beauty of Apple). It has other cool games and applications as well (e.g. facebook, Movies, remote - as in ur tv remote control etc etc etc) , which u can download some of it for free. Infact iPhone is sooo cool and sexy it makes other phone look crappy.

Apple is the top brand from small gadget like iPod to a sleek laptop (MacBook Pro) to desktop (iMac). I myself is the number one fan of Apple brand. Five years ago, I bought myself a sleek and stylish looking iBook G4, at that time, it was "THE" laptop that got everyone look at u with envy. I fell in love with it so much, I even paid cash in full (it was my hard earn saving yet no regret). I rarely spend money on expensive shoes or clothing, but for gadget, I rarely think twice. It's always about quality, and Apple give just that. If u really can afford it, why go for second best? (But if can't afford - like I am right now, just go for cheap one lar, imitation also can loh (if any), else don't buy and just wait for the price to drop - if it ever ..hmm dream on)

A few months ago, I went to 1Borneo and saw this gadget in one of the Apple store, I gasp for a second for what I thought was iPhone (actually it was iPod Touch), I got a disappointing reply of "It's not launch here...yet" (o so we thought).

For an Apple fan, nothing is impossible, where there's a will, there's always a way ;-)

Kodak EasyShare C340: Camera for SALE!!!

2008-09-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

Kodak - The brand that speak for itself. My sis wanted sell off her Kodak EasyShare C340 camera (she got herself a new digital camera), so I do her a favor by posting it on my blog, she bought the camera 2 years ago, and has taken a lot of wonderful pictures with it. It has 5.0MP (very clear & sharp image), 3x Optical zoom and 5x digital zoom. Additional pouch+256MB memory card+battery. And all this for RM350 (price is negotiable). It is very user friendly, doesn't have complicated menu, ready to go right out of the box. Anyone interested can email to me. Thanks :-)

PSP: Gaming anytime, anywhere

2008-09-28T19:31:00.001-07:00

This is one cool gadget I MUST have. I've dreaming of buying one of these, last year (2007) the price was RM1k (Games + Additional 4GB memory), but its just way beyond my budget. However, I manage to get a good bargain for it (6 months later). For a price of RM700, I get - 3 Free Games + Casing + Additional 4GB Memory Stick. They've two version apparently, one is from Japan, another is US version. The difference (from what I notice), Japan have a TV channel function (I think it is only applicable in Japan) , and US version has a Skype (which is applicable anywhere provided u have WiFi and a Skype account).
What so cool about PSP (bside the cool games), you can surf the web with the WiFi function (allowed players to play games online) provided the area u r at have WiFi, but not so cool about this function is that, it doesn't have a touchscreen keyboard, so u basically have to scroll your way for the alphabet. With 4GB memory, u can upload more than 10 games. And u can also watch movie or video clip with ur PSP (if u ve enough memory space). It also has a Game Sharing function which allowed players to interact. Music features which allowed u to upload music in ur PSP, and play ur favorite MP3 (or MP4) songs (earphone sold separately). On the top of the PSP there's an additional port for camera function (also sold separately). Some ppl doesn't like the small screen, but, eventhough the screen is small, but the display is very clear. It's known to help release stress, and good to have around to kill time (when bored).

This is a cool gadget for young ppl and the young at heart (like me :-p). Needless to say, I'm one satisfied buyer :-)

Nokia 3110: My new handphone

2008-09-26T17:27:00.000-07:00

Recently I got a new DiGi number and I need extra handphone for it. (Anyone knows where I can get a phone that can slot in 3 SIM cards?) Anyway, I was looking around for a new handphone the other day and couldnt make up my mind with all the new models they have nowadays. I feel like a caveman, I've two other handphone that I've been using for ages and am still using it. Both Nokia brand, the newer one being model 3100, and the other one, its so old I dont even remember its model. I ve been using my older handphone for about 5 years now, and it still working, despite having a shorter battery power (ppl get annoyed if they call my 019 number, cos my handphone kept shutting down in the middle of the conversation). I wonder if there is any side effect for not replacing the battery after 2 years. Enough about my old handphone, I need to get a new handphone, one that cost less than RM500. It must be Nokia brand, have camera, MP3, radio, bluetooth, extended memory and most importantly able to make calls and text. Those are the criteria I want for my new handphone, I dont mind the megapixel, as long as can take a decent pic. With the information that I gather, I began my search, and found one perfect handphone - Nokia 3110.
Its a really decent handphone for an average user like me, it has all the function that I need, and even more. It has 1.3mp camera function, it can play MP3 songs, download & record short vid clip, has radio function,GPRS function, bluetooth for file transfer and best of all it has extended memory (which mean I can slot in maximum 2GB MicroSD memory card). The camera mode even have Night Mode, Self Timer, Effect (Normal, false colours, Greyscale, Sepia, Negative, Solarise), White Balance (Im not sure whats this for but its cool), I can even set the image quality & image size. I can even record my conversation on the phone. It has this PTT (Push to talk) function, which I've yet to explore.

And best of all, the price is less than RM400 and within my budget and yet I still can enjoy the cool function that I want.

Camcorder: Is it worth it?

2008-09-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

I bought myself a camcorder last year, and I've use it for more than a year now. And it still cool to have. Why do I need it? Cos I want to capture the moment and rewind it over and over again. I bought it last year, (and at that time, my niece is only 3months old), January this year, I compiled all the video I took through out the year of my niece. After I finish compiling, we look at the finish product, and all I can say is - Priceless. I even use it to take picture of my trip with my family and our engagement etc etc etc. My budget - less than RM3k. Before I buy, I google the top brand for camcorder, then I compare the features and prices. I ask for opinion from friends and family, whether they know which shop give a good bargain. Their opinion really matters and I find it very useful too. Only then, I start my hunting, I go for Sony Handycam (my 1st choice), at that time they were promoting the DVD handycam, the price was reasonable but I dont really like changing the DVD disk all the time. My eye on the 60GB built-in Hard disk drive, but it cost RM3.5k at that time :-( . I thot to myself, maybe I should settle for second best... 30GB wont be that bad, having not enough money at that time, so I waited till end of next month. I went back to the same shop the next month and got myself Sony Handycam DCR-SR80 (60GB) + 3 years warranty, for RM2.7k. Not too bad ey.

Budget Your Spending

2008-09-26T09:33:00.000-07:00

I love gadget. But like most people, I'm not well off and most of the things that I would love to have is too expensive to have. So how can I get these things and yet still able to pay for it? The answer is to budget my spending. I will only buy handphone worth less than Rm500, and yet still get all the cool features that I neccessarily want. Afterall, I dont see why i need to spend more than RM1000 for a handphone thats going to be phase out next year, or the next 3 months. Must importantly, when you want to buy stuff, give urself 10 good reason why u need it. And be rational.